In roughstock events, a contestant's score is based upon his performance and that of the animal, and the goal is to earn the highest score from the judges. These events are bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.

In timed events, contestants compete against the clock and each other, and the goal is to post the fastest time. These events are steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer roping.